The 2026 Illinois K-8 State Championship welcomes young chess players from across the state for an exciting and educational weekend of competition, happening from March 6–8, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Illinois. This premier scholastic tournament encourages strategic growth, sportsmanship, and school pride, as students compete within their respective grade categories in a fair and supportive environment.

📅 Event Overview

• Dates: March 6–8, 2026
• Venue: Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
• Address: 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173
• Hotel Phone: (847) 605-1234
• Hotel Rate: $124 per night (single to quad occupancy)
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, and walkable access to Woodfield Mall

⏱️ Time Control & Round Schedule

• Format: 7-round Swiss-system tournament

⏳ Time Controls by Section:

• K–1: G/25 d5
• Grades 2–3: G/40 d5
• Grades 4–5 & 6–8: G/55 d5

🕒 Round Times:

K–1 Section:

• Saturday: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Grades 2–3:

• Saturday: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM

Grades 4–5 & 6–8:

• Saturday: 10:00 AM, 12:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 5:45 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM
• Opening Ceremony: Saturday, March 7 at 9:30 AM

🏆 Prizes & Awards

🥇 Individual Awards:

• 1st–25th Place in each section
• Custom chess clock for each section winner
• Grade-specific awards (1st–2nd)
• Class trophies based on rating groups
• Commemorative medal or ribbon for every participant

🏫 Team Awards:

• 1st–10th Place school teams per section (minimum 2 players per team)

🎖️ Special Awards:

• Sportsmanship Trophy

🏁 Awards Ceremonies:

• K–1: Sunday, 2:00 PM in the K–1 playing room
• All Others: Sunday, 5:00 PM or ASAP in the main playing hall

📝 Registration & Participation

• Eligibility: Open to all K–8 students in Illinois with an active US Chess membership by March 7 at 8:30 AM
• Entry Fees:

  • $50 by February 22
  • $60 by March 1
  • $70 until 7:00 PM on March 6
  • $75 on-site (after 7:00 PM March 6 may result in ½-point bye for Round 1)

• Team Requirement: Teams must represent the same school (no club teams)
• Byes: Up to two ½-point byes permitted (not in final round); request by end of Round 2

💳 Payment Information

• Payment Options: Online or mail-in check
• Mailing Address:
  Chess Weekend
  21694 Doud Ct.
  Frankfort, IL 60423
• Include in Entry:

  • Student name, grade, birthdate, USCF ID and expiration
  • School name and city
  • Contact info (email, mailing address, phone)
  • Coach or adult supervisor details

• Service Fee: $10 for on-site changes or refund requests

🧳 Travel & Accommodation

• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
• Rate: $124 per night for participants
• Features: Spacious rooms, on-site dining, free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking
• Nearby: Woodfield Mall, restaurants, entertainment
• Access: Approx. 15 miles from O’Hare International Airport

👥 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Glenn Panner
• Chief Arbiter: To be announced

🏢 Organizer – Chess Weekend, Inc.

Chess Weekend, Inc. organizes top-tier chess events across the Midwest, providing structured, friendly, and fair competition for players of all ages. The team prioritizes smooth logistics, timely pairings, and a memorable experience at every tournament. From youth events to national qualifiers, Chess Weekend, Inc. sets a high standard for scholastic chess.

Contact Details:
📍 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423
📞 (605) 310-8918
📧 glenn@chessweekend.com

💡 Why Participate in the 2026 Illinois K-8 State Championship?

Participating in the 2026 Illinois K-8 State Championship gives young chess players a chance to shine in a highly respected statewide competition. It’s more than just trophies—it’s about teamwork, confidence-building, and intellectual growth. Every game helps players learn, compete with integrity, and make friends who share their passion. This tournament creates memories that last long after the final move.

Find more exciting tournaments at mychess.events.